To accommodate the rapid population growth in Sungai Ara and Hujung, and to promote the development of green townships, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has announced plans to build a new large-scale neighborhood park this year. The project, costing RM2 million, aims to enhance public recreational spaces and provide a green lung for the community.

Taman Kejiranan Lilitan Sungai Ara: A New Green Space

Penang Deputy Speaker and state assemblyman for Bayan Lepas, Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, revealed that the park, part of the second phase of the Sungai Ara development, will be named Taman Kejiranan Lilitan Sungai Ara. It will covering an area of 7,743.60 square meters (approximately 1.91 acres).

He confirmed that the construction costs would be fully borne by MBPP.

Enhancing Connectivity with Two Bridges

To further improve connectivity in the area, Datuk Azrul has requested additional funding from Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik for the construction of two bridges. These bridges will link the first and second phases of the green space development in Sungai Ara, creating a seamless connection between the two parks and improving accessibility for residents.

Once completed, the new park will be the third major recreational facility in the area, following the Relau Metropolitan Park and the Sungai Ara Linear Park. It will also be the largest park within the Bayan Lepas state constituency.

A Landmark for the Community

Datuk Azrul noted that while the Sungai Ara Linear Park is expansive, most of it falls under the Batu Maung state constituency, with only a small portion near the Sungai Ara private market belonging to Bayan Lepas. With the completion of Taman Kejiranan Lilitan Sungai Ara, he expects the new park to become a popular recreational spot and a significant local landmark.

Located at the border between the Bayan Lepas and Paya Terubong state constituencies, the park will not only benefit residents of Sungai Ara and Relau but also serve nearby areas such as Bayan Baru, Bukit Jambul, and their surrounding communities.

Commitment to Green and Healthy Living

“With the rapid development and increasing population in Sungai Ara and Relau, the most pressing need is public recreational spaces that cater to all age groups. Therefore, I fully support and advocate for this project to create a green and healthy community environment,” said Datuk Azrul.

The construction plan was opened for public tender on March 10, and work is expected to commence soon.

To manage costs efficiently, Datuk Azrul opted for a simpler but functional bridge design instead of the initially proposed high-cost structure. The original design included LED lighting, solar panels, wind and noise-resistant polycarbonate sheets, and a steel arch structure, with an estimated cost of RM800,000. However, due to budget considerations, a more practical design was chosen.